Imaging lens and imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is an imaging lens including a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side. A stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group, and, on an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a th  lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b th  lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied: 
       0.7&lt; f/f 1 b &lt;2.0,  (1)
 
     where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b th  lens group.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to an imaging lens and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an imaging lens having a photographing field angle of about 40° to about 90° and an F number of 2.8 or less so that brightness is achieved and an imaging apparatus including the imaging lens.

As imaging lenses installed in imaging apparatuses such as cameras, for example, imaging lenses for lens-interchangeable camera systems, there are plural types of imaging lenses having a photographing field angle of about 40° to about 90° and an F number of 2.8 or less so that brightness is achieved. For example, Gauss type lenses are widely known (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-337348 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-58651). In Gauss type lenses, the entire lens system or some lens groups are moved in an optical axis direction in focusing.

As an imaging lens other than the Gauss type lens, an imaging lens which includes a first lens group having a negative refractive power and a second lens group having a positive refractive power and in which the second lens group is moved in an optical axis direction in focusing has been suggested (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-191069).

SUMMARY

In recent years, lens-interchangeable digital cameras have rapidly come into wide use. In particular, since a lens-interchangeable camera can photograph a moving image as in a video camera or the like, it is necessary to provide an imaging lens suitable for photographing not only still images but also moving images. To perform photographing on a moving image, it is necessary to move a lens group performing focusing at a high speed in order to follow rapid movement of a subject.

To photograph a moving image, an imaging lens which has a photographing field angle of about 40° to about 90° and an F number of 2.8 or less so that brightness is achieved necessarily has a function of moving a lens group at a high speed when performing the focusing.

As described above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-337348 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-58651 have suggested Gauss type lenses as an imaging lens in which the entire lens system is moved in an optical axis direction while focusing.

However, when the entire lens system is moved at a high speed to photograph a moving image in the focusing, there is a problem that a lens tube may be increased in size since the lens group (the entire lens system) performing the focusing has a heavy weight and an actuator moving the lens group is thus increased in size.

The imaging lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-191069 includes the first lens group having a negative refractive power and the second lens group having a positive refractive power from an object. As described above, the second lens group is moved in the optical direction while focusing.

However, when the second lens group is moved at a high speed to photograph a moving image while focusing, there is a problem that a lens tube may be increased in size since the second lens group performing the focusing has a heavy weight and an actuator moving the lens group is increased in size.

It is desirable to provide an imaging lens and an imaging apparatus that are miniaturized and perform high-speed focusing according to embodiments of the present technology.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is provided an imaging lens including a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side. A stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group. On an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

Accordingly, in the imaging lens, a single lens is moved in an optical axis direction to perform focusing.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, in the negative lens of the second lens group, a curvature of a surface on the image side may be greater than a curvature of a surface on the object side.

Since the curvature of the surface on the image side is greater than the curvature of the surface on the object side in the negative lens of the second lens group, a spherical aberration can be suppressed from occurring.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (2) below may be satisfied:

1.0<t2i/R2b<2.5,  (2)

where t2i is a distance between an apex of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side and an image plane and R2b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side.

When the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (2), an effect of flipping up an off-axis light beam and causing the off-axis light beam to be incident on the image plane is achieved, and thus the entire length of the imaging lens is shortened.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, a positive lens of the third lens group may be convex on the image side.

When the positive lens of the third lens group is configured to be convex on the image side, the curvature of the off-axis light beam is small in the lens surface closest to the image side.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (3) below may be satisfied:

0.5<EXP/R3b<2.5,  (3)

where EXP is a distance between an apex of a surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side and an exit pupil and R3b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side.

When the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (3), a change in the passage of a light beam is small in the positive lens of the third lens group in the focusing.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (4) below may be satisfied:

−3<f3/f2<−1,  (4)

where f3 is a focal distance of the third lens group and f2 is a focal distance of the second lens group.

When the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (4), the refractive powers of the second and third lens groups become suitable.

According to another embodiment of the present technology, there is provided an imaging apparatus including an imaging lens; and an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electric signal. The imaging lens includes a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side. A stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group. On the assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

In the imaging apparatus, the focusing is performed by moving a single lens of the imaging lens in the optical axis direction.

It is possible to provide the imaging lens and the imaging apparatus that are miniaturized and perform high-speed focusing according to the embodiments of the present technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging lens and an imaging apparatus together with FIGS. 2 to 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present technology and is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating aberrations in a numerical example in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens together with FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at an infinite focusing time;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at a short-range focusing time;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating aberrations in a numerical example in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens together with FIG. 6 according to the second embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at an infinite focusing time;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at a short-range focusing time;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating aberrations in a numerical example in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens together with FIG. 9 according to the third embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at an infinite focusing time;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a spherical aberration, an astigmatism, and a distortion aberration at a short-range focusing time; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.

Hereinafter, an imaging lens and an imaging apparatus according to preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described.

Configuration of Imaging Lens

An imaging lens according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, the light passing through the first lens group is reduced (converges) by the positive lens of the third lens group via the second lens group serving as the focus group and including the negative lens. Accordingly, a change in an image plane in the focusing is suppressed.

Since the role of the focus group which is the second lens group can be decreased by correcting the main aberrations by the first lens group, the focus group can be configured by a single lens. Accordingly, since the weight of the focus group (the second lens group) can be reduced, high-speed focusing can be performed.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, the second lens group is configured by a single lens. Therefore, the entire optical length can be shortened and the miniaturization can be achieved.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, the second lens group configured as the focus lens group and by a single lens is moved in the optical axis direction. Therefore, since the weight of the lens group performing the focusing is reduced and an actuator moving the lens group is miniaturized, a lens tube can be miniaturized.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, as described above, the miniaturization can be ensured and high-speed focusing can thus be performed.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group. On the assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

Condition Equation (1) is an equation regarding the focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

The 1a^(th) lens group serves as a wide converter and the refractive power of the first lens group is determined mainly by the refractive power of the 1b^(th) lens group.

When the focal distance is less than in Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group is too weak. Therefore, the negative refractive power of the second lens group serving as the focus group may not be strong and the focus sensitivity may decrease.

Conversely, when the focal distance is greater than in Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group is too strong. Therefore, since it is necessary to strengthen the negative refractive power of the second lens group, a focus change may increase.

Accordingly, when the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group becomes suitable. Therefore, the focus sensitivity can be ensured and the focus change can be thus suppressed.

Further, the numerical value range of Condition Equation (1) may be also set as in Condition Equation (1)′ below:

0.9<f/f1b<1.2.  (1)′

When the numerical value range of Condition Equation (1)′ is set, more satisfactory focus sensitivity can be ensured and the focus change can thus be suppressed.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, in the negative lens of the second lens group, the curvature of the surface on the image side may be greater than the curvature of the surface on the object side.

When the curvature of the surface on the image side is less than the curvature of the surface on the object side, the spherical aberration may easily occur. Accordingly, when the curvature of the surface on the image side is configured to be greater than the curvature of the surface on the object side in the negative lens of the second lens group, as described above, the spherical aberration can be suppressed and image quality can be improved.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (2) below may be satisfied:

1.0<t2i/R2b<2.5,  (2)

where t2i is a distance between an apex of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side and an image plane and R2b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side.

Condition Equation (2) is an equation regarding the radius of curvature of the lens surface of the negative lens of the second lens group.

When the radius of curvature is less than in Condition Equation (2), an effect of flipping up an angle of an off-axis light beam may be decreased, and thus the entire length of the imaging lens may increase. Conversely, when the radius of curvature is greater than in Condition Equation (2), the spherical aberration may easily occur, and thus the optical performance may deteriorate. Further, when the radius of curvature is greater than in Condition Equation (2), the focus change of the on-axis performance may deteriorate.

Accordingly, when the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (2), the entire length of the imaging lens can be shortened and the optical performance can be improved since the spherical aberration and the focus change are suppressed.

Further, the numerical value range of Condition Equation (2) may also be set to Condition Equation (2)′ below:

1.5<t2i/R2b<2.0.  (2)′

When the numerical value range of Condition Equation (2)′ is set, the entire length of the imaging lens can be further shortened and the optical performance can be further improved.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, a positive lens of the third lens group may be convex on the image side.

When the positive lens which is a lens closest to the image side is concave on the image side, the off-axis light beam is considerably curved closet to the image side. Therefore, when the second lens group is moved at the focusing time, the passage of the off-axis light beam in the lens closest to the image side is different, and thus a change in the field curvature may occur.

Accordingly, when the positive lens which is the lens closest to the image side is convex on the image side, the change in the field curvature can be suppressed.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (3) below may be satisfied:

0.5<EXP/R3b<2.5,  (3)

where EXP is a distance between an apex of a surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side and an exit pupil and R3b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side.

Condition Equation (3) is an equation regarding the radius of curvature of the lens surface of the positive lens of the third lens group which is a lens closest to the image side. The value of R3b of Condition Equation (3) is an absolute value.

When the radius of curvature is out of the range of Condition Equation (3), the passage of a light beam may be considerably changed in the positive lens of the third lens group at the focusing time, and thus it is difficult to suppress the change in the field curvature at the focusing time.

Accordingly, when the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (3), the change in the passage of the light beam in the positive lens of the third lens group at the focusing time can be reduced, and thus the change in the field curvature at the focusing time can be suppressed.

The numerical value range of Condition Equation (3) may be also set to Condition Equation (3)′ below:

0.75<EXP/R3b<2.0.  (3)′

When the numerical value range of Condition Equation (3)′ is set, the change in the field curvature at the focusing time can be further suppressed.

In the imaging lens according to the embodiment of the present technology, Condition Equation (4) below may be satisfied:

−3<f3/f2<−1,  (4)

where f3 is a focal distance of the third lens group and f2 is a focal distance of the second lens group.

Condition Equation (4) is an equation regarding the focal distances of the second and third lens groups.

When the focal distance is less than in Condition Equation (4), the refractive power of the third lens group is too strong. Therefore, the focus change of the off-axis light beam may increase.

Conversely, when the focal distance is greater than in Condition Equation (4), the refractive power of the second lens group is too strong. Therefore, the focus change of the on-axis light beam may increase.

Accordingly, when the imaging lens satisfies Condition Equation (4), the refractive power of the third lens group becomes suitable. Therefore, the focus change of the off-axis light beam and the focus change of the on-axis light beam can be suppressed.

Numerical Example of Imaging Lens

Hereinafter, an imaging lens according to a specific embodiment of the present technology and a numerical example in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and tables.

Further, the meanings of signs used in each table or description are as follows.

“Si” denotes a surface number of an i^(th) surface numbered from the object side to the image side, “Ri” denotes a paraxial radius of curvature of an i^(th) surface, “Di” denotes an on-axis surface distance (thickness or air gap of the center of a lens) between an i^(th) surface and an i+1^(th) surface, “Nd” denotes a refractive index of a line d (λ=587.6 nm) of a lens or the like starting from an i^(th) surface, and “νd” denotes an Abbe number of the line d of a lens or the like starting from an i^(th) surface.

“ASP” denotes an aspheric surface of a corresponding surface in association with “Si,” “STO” denotes a stop in association with “Si,” and “inf” denotes the fact that the corresponding surface is flat in association with “Ri.”

“k” is a cone constant (conic constant) and “A4,” “A6,” “A8,” and “A10” denote fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth order aspheric coefficients, respectively.

“Fno” denotes an F number, “f” denotes a focal distance, “ω” denotes a half field angle, and “β” denotes a photographing magnification.

In each table that shows the following aspheric coefficients, “E-n” indicates an exponential notation in which 10 is the base, that is, “10 to the negative n^(th) power.” For example, “0.12345E-0.5” indicates “0.12345×(10 to the negative 5^(th) power).”

In an imaging lens described in each embodiment, some of the lens surfaces are aspheric. On the assumption that “x” is a distance (sag amount) from the apex of a lens surface in an optical axis direction, “y” is a height (image height) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, “c” is a paraxial curvature (the reciprocal of a radius of curvature) in the apex of a lens, “k” is a cone constant (cone constant), and “A4,” “A6,” “A8,” and “A10” are the fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth order aspheric coefficients, respectively, the shape of an aspheric surface is defined as in Equation 1 below.

[Equation 1]

$x = {\frac{y^{2} \cdot c^{2}}{1 + \left\lbrack {1 - {\left( {1 + \kappa} \right) \cdot y^{2} \cdot c^{2}}} \right\rbrack^{1/2}} + {\sum\; {{Ai} \cdot y^{i}}}}$

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens 1 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

The imaging lens 1 includes a first lens group GR1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens group GR2 having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group GR3 having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side.

The first lens group GR1 is fixed and includes a negative lens G1 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, a positive lens G2 having a biconvex shape, a negative lens G3 having a biconcave shape, a negative lens G4 having a biconcave shape, a positive lens G5 having a biconvex shape, and a positive lens G6 having a biconvex shape that are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

The positive lens G2 and the negative lens G3 are cemented to one another to form a cemented lens. The negative lens G4 and the positive lens G5 are cemented to one another to form a cemented lens.

The second lens group GR2 serves as a focus group and can be moved in an optical axis direction. The second lens group GR2 includes a negative lens G7 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side. In the negative lens G7, a curvature of the surface on the image side is greater than a curvature of the surface on the object side, and the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R13) of the surface on the image side is less than the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R12) of the surface on the object side.

The third lens group GR3 includes a positive lens G8 having a concave surface of a meniscus shape on the object side.

A stop STO is disposed between the negative lenses G3 and G4 of the first lens group GR1. The stop STO is disposed in the vicinity of the negative lens G4 to be fixed.

Between the third lens group GR3 and an image plane IMG, a filter and a cover glass (neither of which is shown) are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

In the imaging lens 1, the third lens group GR3 may be fixed. Alternatively, the third lens group GR3 may be moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2, it is possible to suppress a change in the image plane caused in the focusing.

Further, the third lens group GR3 can also be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, an image can be shifted.

Table 1 shows lens data of Numerical Example 1 in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens 1 according to the first embodiment.

TABLE 1 Si Ri Di Nd νd  1 60.767 1.000 1.592 67.02  2(ASP) 13.000 9.494  3 24.997 6.168 1.702 41.15  4 −15.000 1.000 1.581 40.89  5 353.241 7.246  6(STO) Inf 4.189  7 −12.629 1.000 1.755 27.53  8 73.136 3.992 1.697 55.46  9 −21.769 0.400 10(ASP) 35.061 5.338 1.729 54.04 11(ASP) −19.909 D11 12 82.632 1.000 1.658 50.85 13 19.848 D13 14 −181.937 2.410 1.743 49.22 15 −40.696 22.418 

In the imaging lens 1, the surface (second surface) of the negative lens G1 of the first lens group GR1 on the image side and both surfaces (tenth and eleventh surfaces) of the positive lens G6 of the first lens group GR1 are formed as aspheric surfaces. In Numerical Example 1, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth order aspheric coefficients A4, A6, A8, and A10 of aspheric surfaces are shown together with cone constants k in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Si κ A4 A6 A8 A10 2 0.00000 −2.07814E−05 −3.27275E−08 −8.78079E−10 2.91712E−12 10 0.00000 −1.81141E−05 1.70706E−08 0.00000E+00 0.00000E+00 11 0.00000 3.63456E−05 −4.12128E−08 1.75176E−10 1.23060E−13

Table 3 shows an F number Fno, a focal distance f, a half field angle ω, photographing magnifications β at an infinite focusing time and a short-range focusing time, and variable distances (D11 and D13) when the second lens group GR2 is moved in Numerical Example 1.

TABLE 3 INFINITE FOCUSING SHORT-RANGE TIME FOCUSING TIME Fno 1.84 — f 23.28 — ω 30.97 — β 0.000 −0.25 D11 1.257 5.400 D13 8.087 3.945

In FIGS. 2 and 3, various aberrations of Numerical Example 1 are shown. FIG. 2 shows various aberrations at the infinite focusing time and FIG. 3 shows various aberrations at the short-range focusing time (β=−0.25).

In spherical aberration diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3, the value of a line d (with a wavelength of 587.6 nm) is indicated by a solid line, the value of a line c (with a wavelength of 656.3 nm) is indicated by a dotted line, and the value of a line g (with a wavelength of 435.8 nm) is indicated by a one-dot chain line. Further, in astigmatism diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3, a value on a sagittal image plane is indicated by a solid line and a value on a meridional image plane is indicated by a dashed line.

From the aberration diagrams, it is apparent that various aberrations are satisfactorily corrected and excellent imaging performance is realized in Numerical Example 1.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens 2 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

The imaging lens 2 includes a first lens group GR1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens group GR2 having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group GR3 having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side.

The first lens group GR1 is fixed and includes a negative lens G1 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, a negative lens G2 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, a positive lens G3 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, and a negative lens G4 having a biconcave shape, a positive lens G5 having a biconvex shape, and a positive lens G6 having a biconvex shape that are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

The negative lens G4 and the positive lens G5 are cemented to one another to form a cemented lens.

The second lens group GR2 serves as a focus group and can be moved in an optical axis direction. The second lens group GR2 includes a negative lens G7 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side. In the negative lens G7, a curvature of the surface on the image side is greater than a curvature of the surface on the object side, and the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R14) of the surface on the image side is less than the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R13) of the surface on the object side.

The third lens group (GR3) includes a positive lens G8 having a biconvex shape.

A stop STO is disposed between the positive lens G3 and the negative lens G4 of the first lens group GR1. The stop STO is disposed in the vicinity of the negative lens G4 to be fixed.

Between the third lens group GR3 and an image plane IMG, a filter and a cover glass (neither of which is shown) are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

In the imaging lens 2, the third lens group GR3 may be fixed. Alternatively, the third lens group GR3 may be moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2, it is possible to suppress a change in the image plane caused in the focusing.

Further, the third lens group GR3 can also be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, an image can be shifted.

Table 4 shows lens data of Numerical Example 2 in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens 2 according to the second embodiment.

TABLE 4 Si Ri Di Nd νd  1 52.254 1.000 1.487 70.44  2 13.715 5.495  3 25.387 1.000 1.589 61.25  4(ASP) 14.610 3.000  5 18.860 4.197 1.835 42.72  6 1119.730 9.292  7(STO) Inf 4.238  8 −11.656 1.000 1.755 27.53  9 45.550 4.655 1.618 63.40 10 −16.688 0.400 11(ASP) 31.808 5.000 1.801 45.45 12(ASP) −26.041 D12 13 138.976 1.000 1.697 55.46 14 20.701 D14 15 344.293 3.740 1.618 63.40 16 −33.618 22.374 

In the imaging lens 2, the surface (fourth surface) of the negative lens G2 of the first lens group GR1 on the image side and both surfaces (eleventh and twelfth surfaces) of the positive lens G6 of the first lens group GR1 are formed as aspheric surfaces. In Numerical Example 2, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth order aspheric coefficients A4, A6, A8, and A10 of aspheric surfaces are shown together with cone constants k in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Si κ A4 A6 A8 A10 4 0.00000 −3.65895E−05 −2.02766E−07 1.66758E−10 −6.21785E−12 11 0.00000 −1.28119E−05 2.85341E−08 0.00000E+00 0.00000E+00 12 0.00000 2.49503E−05 −3.18958E−08 2.80615E−10 −6.64956E−13

Table 6 shows an F number Fno, a focal distance f, a half field angle ω, photographing magnifications β at an infinite focusing time and a short-range focusing time, and variable distances (D12 and D14) when the second lens group GR2 is moved in Numerical Example 2.

TABLE 6 INFINITE FOCUSING SHORT-RANGE TIME FOCUSING TIME Fno 1.85 — f 23.28 — ω 30.86 — β 0.000 −0.25 D12 1.005 5.133 D14 7.603 3.474

In FIGS. 5 and 6, various aberrations of Numerical Example 2 are shown. FIG. 5 shows various aberrations at the infinite focusing time and FIG. 6 shows various aberrations at the short-range focusing time (β=−0.25).

In spherical aberration diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6, the value of a line d (with a wavelength of 587.6 nm) is indicated by a solid line, the value of a line c (with a wavelength of 656.3 nm) is indicated by a dotted line, and the value of a line g (with a wavelength of 435.8 nm) is indicated by a one-dot chain line. Further, in astigmatism diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6, a value on a sagittal image plane is indicated by a solid line and a value on a meridional image plane is indicated by a dashed line.

From the aberration diagrams, it is apparent that various aberrations are satisfactorily corrected and excellent imaging performance is realized in Numerical Example 2.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging lens 3 according to a third embodiment of the present technology.

The imaging lens 3 includes a first lens group GR1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens group GR2 having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group GR3 having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side.

The first lens group GR1 is fixed and includes a negative lens G1 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, a positive lens G2 having a biconvex shape, a negative lens G3 having a concave surface of a meniscus shape on the object side, a negative lens G4 having a biconcave shape, a positive lens G5 having a biconvex shape, and a positive lens G6 having a biconvex shape that are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

The positive lens G2 and the negative lens G3 are cemented to one another to form a cemented lens.

The second lens group GR2 serves as a focus group and can be moved in an optical axis direction. The second lens group GR2 includes a negative lens G7 having a convex surface of a meniscus shape on the object side. In the negative lens G7, a curvature of the surface on the image side is greater than a curvature of the surface on the object side, and the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R14) of the surface on the image side is less than the absolute value of a radius of curvature (R13) of the surface on the object side.

The third lens group (GR3) includes a positive lens G8 having a concave surface of a meniscus shape on the object side.

A stop STO is disposed between the negative lenses G3 and G4 of the first lens group GR1. The stop STO is disposed in the vicinity of the negative lens G4 to be fixed.

Between the third lens group GR3 and an image plane IMG, a filter and a cover glass (neither of which is shown) are arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side.

In the imaging lens 3, the third lens group GR3 may be fixed. Alternatively, the third lens group GR3 may be moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the optical axis direction in conjunction with the second lens group GR2, it is possible to suppress a change in the image plane caused in the focusing.

Further, the third lens group GR3 can also be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. When the third lens group GR3 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, an image can be shifted.

Table 7 shows lens data of Numerical Example 3 in which specific numerical values are applied to the imaging lens 3 according to the third embodiment.

TABLE 7 Si Ri Di Nd νd  1 86.576 1.000 1.553 71.68  2(ASP) 13.000 14.492   3 25.098 4.950 1.744 44.72  4 −20.222 1.000 1.603 38.01  5 −4502.966 6.547  6(STO) Inf 5.612  7 −11.912 1.000 1.728 28.32  8 242.410 0.211  9(ASP) 33.231 4.442 1.623 58.16 10 −15.499 0.400 11 50.574 2.336 1.694 53.20 12(ASP) −37.765 D12 13 53.967 1.000 1.618 63.40 14 17.486 D14 15 −172.743 1.993 1.589 61.25 16 −44.643 20.743 

In the imaging lens 3, the surface (second surface) of the negative lens G1 of the first lens group GR1 on the image side, the surface (ninth surface) of the positive lens G5 of the first lens group GR1 on the object side, and the surface (twelfth surface) of the positive lens G6 of the first lens group GR1 are formed as aspheric surfaces. In Numerical Example 3, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth order aspheric coefficients A4, A6, A8, and A10 of aspheric surfaces are shown together with cone constants k in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Si κ A4 A6 A8 A10 2 0.00000 −1.95657E−05 −2.46901E−07 1.53099E−09 −1.35542E−11 9 0.00000 −2.20466E−05 1.96533E−07 −2.16777E−09 6.51508E−12 12 0.00000 4.81068E−05 4.63773E−08 8.17089E−10 −5.02684E−12

Table 9 shows an F number Fno, a focal distance f, a half field angle ω, photographing magnifications β at an infinite focusing time and a short-range focusing time, and variable distances (D12 and D14) when the second lens group GR2 is moved in Numerical Example 3.

TABLE 9 INFINITE FOCUSING SHORT-RANGE TIME FOCUSING TIME Fno 2.23 — f 23.28 — ω 30.64 — β 0.000 −0.2 D11 1.000 4.198 D13 8.274 5.075

In FIGS. 8 and 9, various aberrations of Numerical Example 3 are shown. FIG. 8 shows various aberrations at the infinite focusing time and FIG. 9 shows various aberrations at the short-range focusing time (β=−0.2).

In spherical aberration diagrams of FIGS. 8 and 9, the value of a line d (with a wavelength of 587.6 nm) is indicated by a solid line, the value of a line c (with a wavelength of 656.3 nm) is indicated by a dotted line, and the value of a line g (with a wavelength of 435.8 nm) is indicated by a one-dot chain line. Further, in astigmatism diagrams of FIGS. 8 and 9, a value on a sagittal image plane is indicated by a solid line and a value on a meridional image plane is indicated by a dashed line.

From the aberration diagrams, it is apparent that various aberrations are satisfactorily corrected and excellent imaging performance is realized in Numerical Example 3.

Others

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case in which the lens closest to the object side in the first lens group is a negative lens has been described. However, the lens closest to the object side in the first lens group may be a positive lens.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case in which the lens closest to the image side in the first lens group is a biconvex lens having both aspheric surfaces has been described. However, the lens closest to the image side in the first lens group is not limited to this lens.

Values of Condition Equations of Imaging Lens

Hereinafter, values of the condition equations of the imaging lens according to the embodiments of the present technology will be described.

Table 10 shows the values of f, f1b, f2, f3, t2i, R2b, EXP, and R3b in the imaging lenses 1 to 3 and the values of Condition Equation (1) to Condition Equation (4).

TABLE 10 IMAGING IMAGING IMAGING LENS 1 LENS 2 LENS 3 f 23.277 23.278 23.280 f1b 22.257 21.540 25.311 CONDITION 0.7 < f/f1b < 1.046 1.081 0.920 EQUATION 2.0 (1) t2i 32.915 33.717 31.009 R2b 19.848 20.701 17.486 CONDITION 1.0 < t2i/ 1.658 1.629 1.773 EQUATION R2b < 2.5 (2) EXP 40.315 53.232 33.707 R3b 40.696 33.618 44.643 CONDITION 0.5 < EXP/ 0.990 1.583 0.755 EQUATION R3b < 2.5 (3) f3 70.017 49.747 101.599 f2 −39.925 −35.030 −42.300 CONDITION −3 < f3/f2 < −1.754 −1.420 −2.402 EQUATION −1 (4)

As apparent from Table 10, the imaging lenses 1 to 3 are configured to satisfy Condition Equation (1) to Condition Equation (4).

Configuration of Imaging Apparatus

An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes an imaging lens and an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electric signal. In the imaging lens, a first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses to be fixed, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side.

In the imaging lens of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present technology, the light passing through the first lens group is reduced (converges) by a positive lens of the third lens group via the second lens group serving as the focus group and including the negative lens. Accordingly, a change in an image plane at the focusing time is suppressed.

Since the role of the focus group which is the second lens group can be decreased by correcting the main aberrations by the first lens group, the focus group can be configured by a single lens. Accordingly, since the weight of the focus group (the second lens group) can be reduced, high-speed focusing can be performed.

In the imaging lens of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present technology, the second lens group is configured by a single lens. Therefore, the entire optical length can be shortened and the miniaturization can be achieved.

In the imaging lens of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present technology, the second lens group configured as a focus lens group and by a single lens is moved in the optical axis direction. Therefore, since the weight of the lens group performing the focusing is reduced and an actuator moving the lens group is miniaturized, a lens tube can be miniaturized.

In the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present technology, as described above, the miniaturization can be ensured and high-speed focusing can thus be performed.

In the imaging lens of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present technology, a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group. On the assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

Condition Equation (1) is an equation regarding the focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.

The 1a^(th) lens group serves as a wide converter and the refractive power of the first lens group is determined mainly by the refractive power of the 1b^(th) lens group.

When the focal distance is less than in Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group is too weak. Therefore, the negative refractive power of the second lens group serving as the focus group may not be strong and the focus sensitivity may decrease.

Conversely, when the focal distance is greater than in Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group is too strong. Therefore, since it is necessary to strengthen the negative refractive power of the second lens group, a focus change may increase.

Accordingly, when the imaging lens of the imaging apparatus satisfies Condition Equation (1), the positive refractive power of the first lens group becomes suitable. Therefore, the focus sensitivity can be ensured and the focus change can thus be suppressed.

Further, the numerical value range of Condition Equation (1) may be also set to Condition Equation (1)′ below:

0.9<f/f1b<1.2.  (1)′

When the numerical value range of Condition Equation (1)′ is set, more satisfactory focus sensitivity can be ensured and the focus change can thus be suppressed.

Embodiment of Imaging Apparatus

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a digital still camera as the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology.

An imaging apparatus (digital still camera) 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 110 that controls the imaging apparatus 100 as a whole and an imaging element 140 that converts an optical image obtained by the above-described imaging lens 1 (2 or 3) into an electric signal and transmits the converted electric signal to an image separation circuit 150.

A photoelectric conversion element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is used as the imaging element 140.

The image separation circuit 150 generates a focus control signal based on the input electric signal, transmits the generated focus control signal to the CPU 110, and transmits an image signal corresponding to an image portion in the electric signal to an image processing circuit (not shown) of a rear stage. The image processing circuit converts the input image signal into a signal with a signal format suitable for subsequent processing and supplies the converted signal to perform an image display process of a display unit, a recording process on a predetermined recording medium, a data transmission process via a predetermined communication interface, and the like.

An operation signal of a focusing operation or the like is input to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 executes various processes in accordance with the input operation signal. For example, when a focusing operation signal is input through a focusing operation, the CPU 110 causes a driver circuit 120 to operate a driving motor 130 in order to realize a focus state in accordance with the operation signal. Accordingly, in the imaging apparatus 100, the second lens group GR2 of the imaging lens 1 (2 or 3) is moved in an optical axis direction through a process executed by the CPU 10. At this time, the CPU 110 gives feedback positional information of the second lens group GR2 and subsequently acquires reference information obtained in the movement of the second lens group GR2 via the driving motor 130.

In the imaging apparatus 100, only one driving system has been described to facilitate the description. However, the imaging apparatus 100 further includes a zoom system, a focus system, and a photographing mode switch driving system. Further, when the imaging apparatus 100 has a shake correction function, a vibration-proof driving system is further provided to drive a shake correction lens (group). At least a part of the vibration-proof driving system may be commonly used.

In the above-described embodiments, the case in which the imaging apparatus is applied to a digital still camera has been described, but the imaging apparatus is not limited to the digital still camera. The imaging apparatus is broadly applied to camera units or the like of digital input/output apparatuses such as digital video cameras, camera-embedded portable telephones, and camera-embedded personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Others

In the imaging apparatus and the imaging lens according to the embodiments of the present technology, a lens having substantially no lens power may be disposed or a lens group including such a lens may be disposed in addition to the first to third lens groups. In this case, the imaging apparatus and the imaging lens according to the embodiments of the present technology may actually include four or more lens groups in addition to the first to third lens groups.

Present Technology

The present technology can also be configured as below.

<1> An imaging lens including:

a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side,

wherein a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group, and

on an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group. <2> The imaging lens according to <1>, wherein, in the negative lens of the second lens group, a curvature of a surface on the image side is greater than a curvature of a surface on the object side. <3> The imaging lens according to <2>, wherein Condition Equation (2) below is satisfied:

1.0<t2i/R2b<2.5,  (2)

where t2i is a distance between an apex of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side and an image plane and R2b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side. <4> The imaging lens according to any of <1> to <3>, wherein a positive lens of the third lens group is convex on the image side. <5> The imaging lens according to <4>, wherein Condition Equation (3) below is satisfied:

0.5<EXP/R3b<2.5,  (3)

where EXP is a distance between an apex of a surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side and an exit pupil and R3b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side. <6> The imaging lens according to any of <1> to <5>, wherein Condition Equation (4) below is satisfied:

−3<f3/f2<−1,  (4)

where f3 is a focal distance of the third lens group and f2 is a focal distance of the second lens group. <7> An imaging apparatus including:

an imaging lens; and

an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electric signal,

wherein the imaging lens includes a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side,

a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group, and

on an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied:

0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1)

where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group. <8> The imaging lens according to any of <1> to <6> or the imaging apparatus according to <7> further including a lens having substantially no lens power.

The shapes and numerical values of the units according to the above-described embodiments are merely examples to realize an embodiment of the present technology, and the technical scope of the present technology should not be construed as limited thereto.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof

The present technology contains subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-171294 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Aug. 4, 2011, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 

1. An imaging lens comprising: a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side, wherein a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group, and on an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied: 0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1) where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group.
 2. The imaging lens according to claim 1, wherein, in the negative lens of the second lens group, a curvature of a surface on the image side is greater than a curvature of a surface on the object side.
 3. The imaging lens according to claim 2, wherein Condition Equation (2) below is satisfied: 1.0<t2i/R2b<2.5,  (2) where t2i is a distance between an apex of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side and an image plane and R2b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the negative lens of the second lens group on the image side.
 4. The imaging lens according to claim 1, wherein a positive lens of the third lens group is convex on the image side.
 5. The imaging lens according to claim 4, wherein Condition Equation (3) below is satisfied: 0.5<EXP/R3b<2.5,  (3) where EXP is a distance between an apex of a surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side and an exit pupil and R3b is a radius of curvature of the surface of the positive lens of the third lens group on the image side.
 6. The imaging lens according to claim 1, wherein Condition Equation (4) below is satisfied: −3<f3/f2<−1,  (4) where f3 is a focal distance of the third lens group and f2 is a focal distance of the second lens group.
 7. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging lens; and an imaging element that converts an optical image formed by the imaging lens into an electric signal, wherein the imaging lens includes a fixed first lens group having a positive refractive power and including a plurality of lenses, a second lens group serving as a focus group and including a negative lens, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power that are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side, a stop is disposed between predetermined lenses of the first lens group, and on an assumption that a lens group located closer to the object side than the stop of the first lens group is a 1a^(th) lens group and a lens group located closer to the image side than the stop is a 1b^(th) lens group, Condition Equation (1) below is satisfied: 0.7<f/f1b<2.0,  (1) where f is a focal distance of an entire system and f1b is a focal distance of the 1b^(th) lens group. 